I enjoyed A Far Wilder Magic very much. It’s a melancholy read that gave me vibes of The Scorpio Races. This book has a richly detailed and enchanting world that draws you in and keeps you under its spell.

The story follows Margaret Welty and Weston Winters and their slow burn romance set amongst the backdrop of a mythical fox hunt. Both are outsiders that need each other more than they would care to admit. Wes wants to be an alchemist and Maggie’s mom is his last chance to find a mentor. The only problem is she left Maggie on her own, and Maggie is unsure of when she’ll return. She wants to enter the Halfmooon Hunt to kill the mythical hala, the last of the demiurges. She promises Wes an internship with her mom if he signs up as her alchemist partner for the hunt. Desperate to become an alchemist, Wes agrees despite participating being against his beliefs.

I loved watching the journey Wes and Maggie take and seeing the self discovery that each go through. Weston is a hilarious character with the charisma to make you love him. Margaret is more standoffish and yet you can’t help but feel for her. Both characters come from tough backgrounds and the journey to the hunt isn’t an easy one for them.

I would highly recommend this book for anyone who love moody reads. This is a book you’ll want to devour and yet savor at the same time.

TW: antisemitism, death threats, animal injury, animal death (graphic), gore (graphic), parental neglect, and panic attacks.

3.5

I had the absolute honor of receiving an advanced copy of one of my 2022 anticipated releases.

A Far Wilder Magic follows Margaret, the daughter of a famous alchemist, and Weston, who hopes to become one.

However, Weston has been unsuccessful at the apprentices' he's tried and Eleanor Welty is his last hope.

When Weston arrives, he discovers Eleanor has been gone a long time so he makes an agreement with Margaret: he will be allowed to stay and wait for her mother's return if he joins the Halfmoon Hunt, a hunt for the last living mythical creatures.

Not only could they both win money they've never seen before, but the distinction of winning the hunt for the Hala (and a few other reasons that one must keep to themself).
•
Allison Saft is masterful in how she writes characters. You just can't help but root for them. The painful journey Margaret and Weston go through as they grow and try to reach their goals, and the tension that grows between them as they prepare for the hunt.

There is something special about following a debut author from when they were pitching their novel to seeing their sequel come out.

I remember following Allison on Twitter when her book deal was announced and now I get to see each of her new books be released. I absolutely adore her writing and I'll be anxiously waiting for her future releases!

A Far Wilder Magic releases March 8th and prepare yourself to join the hunt!

I don’t know whether Allison Saft is an angel or the devil herself, but what I do know is that she’s, without a doubt, one of my favourite storytellers. Whether we’re talking about the characters she crafts that steal my heart or her words that literally make me drown in the atmosphere she created, or perhaps about everything she hides between the lines; I adore it.

A Far Wilder Magic completely lived up to my expectations, which says… quite a lot, given it was one of my most anticipated releases of 2022 and I, well, cried when I got the arc.

Wes and Maggie’s story is one that is definitely heavily focused on romance, but for me, above all, it’s a story of these two characters and the internal conflict they have to work through. Their emotional journey and growth is the heart of this book and though it’s definitely character-driven, too, it’s undeniably emotionally driven as well.

As for the external plot… I’ll warn you that not much really happens. It will definitely be something some readers will have a problem with, but for others (me included) it will be greatly appreciated since this makes the focus on the internal plot (aka the emotional journey) more powerful.

Here I am, once again wanting to analyze this entire story because there’s so much to it, but I want to let you discover it yourself. All I’ll say is that it’s incredibly strong.

What I also really loved about A Far Wilder Magic is the themes it explores. It talks about religion which was really interesting, but it also deals with parental neglect and emotional abuse in a way I haven’t really seen in fantasy before. Maggie’s journey is one of learning to see your worth and who you are beyond your pain. It was written with so much care and definitely made me tear up because it hit.

Plus, though Wes definitely helps Maggie in her journey, her struggles weren’t romanticized at all. It wasn’t like he came into her life and everything was okay, but she really had to learn. She had to learn how to accept love after what she’d been through, and especially learn that she deserved it.

I definitely saw my own insecurities in her and I’m sure more people will find hope in her journey, as I did.

Now, enough of my whole psychological stuff, let’s talk about who Maggie and Wes are beyond their pain! Just thinking of them makes me emotional because I—I adore them. Allison Saft has crafted very realistically flawed yet lovable characters. Wes is such a caring himbo and (definitely) the sunshine to Maggie’s grump.

As I said, this book focuses heavily on romance and I’m RUINED. Their love for each other is so big and I was just full-on crying on the bus (well, for multiple reasons BUT OKAY). It just made me feel so much and… I can’t believe Allison Saft invented romance, y’all.

Allison Saft’s sophomore novel is one with so much love and hope in it. I adored everything from the themes it explores, to the characters and their beautiful romance, to, of course, the amazing writing and atmosphere! It’s a book I can see myself returning to for comfort since I already read it twice before its release (and I wanna read it a third time…).

I fell deeply in love and cried a lot of tears on the bus, but it was all worth it. A Far Wilder Magic is not to be missed and I will already be looking forward to Allison Saft’s next masterpiece.

I've been sitting on this trying to figure out what I had to say for quite a while now and since the books release date is a week and a half away it's time to just get something out. I finished this book January 31st and it left me wanting so much more. I was intrigued by the setting and the mythology. I enjoyed our two main characters, Margaret and Weston. The side character's were interesting as well, even if some where a bit two dimensional. Unfortunately there was nothing that felt especially exciting or memorable about the book. I wanted more. More tension, more high stakes, more from the actual hunt itself. The build up for it was great and then it fell a little flat. I also think if anyone has ever seen or has a basic idea of Full Metal Alchemist, you know one of the big secrets of the book. I knew what it was the second the character mentioned a quest for a philosopher's stone. I really wanted to love this book it sounded incredibly interesting and that cover is stunning but I think in another month I won't remember anything about it at all.

Title: A Far Wilder Magic
Author: Allison Saft
Genre: YA
Rating: 4.0 out of 5

When Margaret Welty spots the legendary hala, the last living mythical creature, she knows the Halfmoon Hunt will soon follow. Whoever is able to kill the hala will earn fame and riches, and unlock an ancient magical secret. If Margaret wins the hunt, it may finally bring her mother home. While Margaret is the best sharpshooter in town, only teams of two can register, and she needs an alchemist.

Weston Winters isn’t an alchemist--yet. Fired from every apprenticeship he's landed, his last chance hinges on Master Welty taking him in. But when Wes arrives at Welty Manor, he finds only Margaret and her bloodhound Trouble. Margaret begrudgingly allows him to stay, but on one condition: he must join the hunt with her.

Although they make an unlikely team, Wes is in awe of the girl who has endured alone on the outskirts of a town that doesn’t want her, in this creaking house of ghosts and sorrow. And even though Wes disrupts every aspect of her life, Margaret is drawn to him. He, too, knows what it's like to be an outsider. As the hunt looms closer and tensions rise, Margaret and Wes uncover dark magic that could be the key to winning the hunt - if they survive that long.

To me, this culture was an odd mix of things from our current world and things that were just slightly skewed from that all jumbled together. It didn’t have an effect on my enjoyment of the story, just stating something that caught my eye (more than once). I liked the story well enough, but Margaret was a little too hateful at times—and constantly I’m-an-outsider-and-care-for-no-one-else—and Weston was a bit of a selfish brat, but they eventually worked well together. Weston’s family was fantastic. Margaret’s mom, not so much. This is a solid read, but I didn’t find it to be stellar.

Allison Saft lives on the West Coast. A Far Wilder Magic is her newest novel.

(Galley courtesy of St. Martin’s Press in exchange for an honest review.)

(Blog link live 3/9.)

The fantasy romance!! Wow, this book was amazing! From the world building to the the romance to the hunt (which was a magic competition but better?) I loved this!! The chemistry between Margaret and Wes was so fun and sparks were FLYING. Their romance was one of the most investing I’ve read in a while! Their character development was excellent as well and I was rooting for them and their dreams and their futures.

I also have to mentioned that the magic in this book was so interesting because it was alchemy based but with some twists! Overall I thought the magic and the world building was flawless. And mixed with the hunt which acted as a magic competition (but better lol) it was enthralling! Overall I really cannot say enough good things about this book. If you love fantasy romance this is a must read! This is YA fantasy at its best!

"It's better this way, she thinks. Better to quickly cut the throat of this fragile hope instead of letting it languish like a wolf in a snare. Margaret knows, deep as marrow, how this story ends. What happens to people who crave things beyond their reach. Maybe in another life, she could dream. But not this one."

I truly wish I could craft words as beautifully as Allison Saft does in this book, because this story softly, quietly,and then achingly seeps into you and before you know it, you won't want to put it down. It is the story of the hunt for a magical, mythical creature that is also so, so much more. It encompasses the bigotry and racism felt by immigrants years after assimilation, and the willingness to allow yourself to be seen and to choose to trust and love and be loved in return. Margaret Welty is managing her life and home after her alchemist mother Evelyn leaves for months doing research. Weston Winters comes to Margaret's home to attempt to become Evelyn's apprentice, and convinces Margaret to let him stay until Evelyn returns. The hunt for the magical hala forces Margaret and Wes to work together, requiring each of them to face their fears, dreams and fight for their future. There is so much in Margaret and Weston to relate to and this is a lovely, heartbreaking and heartwarming story. If you love a story that balances the fantasy elements with the romance, then this is a book for you!!

Thanks to Wednesday Books and Netgalley for the ARC.

Thank you Wednesday Books and Netgalley for this Arc!

I loved Alison Saft's debut book Down Comes the Night and I really enjoyed this one as well. One of my favorite things about this author's is how the intriguing and haunting atmosphere seems to be created so effortlessly. And, the setting is a perfect complement to the characters and the details of this world.

This story involves two strangers from different and yet similar circumstances meeting and finding a type of kinship with one another. This has a slow burn romance but it does get a bit spicy! And, lots of magic mainly based on the idea of Alchemy.

If this piques your interest or if you enjoyed Down Comes the Night, then I would say to definitely give this a go!

Look for this out on March 8th!

I'm not even gonna lie, I totally requested this for the cover... I didn't even read the blurb until after I was approved 🤣

BUT LEMME TELL YALL... This was exquisite! The world building is phenomenal, the characters are well written, and the overall vibe of the book was *chefs kiss*. Honestly it was kind of comforting, like reading one of my favorite fairytales, but with reclusive sharpshooters and handsome alchemists.

Overall I just really loved the book and the role reversal of the sunshine and grump trope--I love to see golden retriever himbos and grumpy girls, what can I say?! The storyline is intriguing and kept me hooked the entire time (it is a little predictable, but I didn't even care because I just genuinely loved these characters).

You know that scene in Jerry Maguire when he looks at Dorothy and says, “I love you. You complete me”? I sincerely hope no one is too young for that reference because that scene captures exactly how I feel when I look at A Far Wilder Magic.

Margaret Welty has been abandoned once again by her alchemist mother, Evelyn. Margaret locks herself away in the secluded Welty Manor, tending to the house and trying to survive until Evelyn returns from her travels. Her quiet existence is disrupted the day Weston Winters arrives at her doorstep pleading to become Evelyn’s apprentice. Wes has been rejected by every alchemist in the city, and this is his last chance to find a way to support his family and his future. The two are as compatible as oil and water, but Margaret and Wes make a tenuous partnership to join a legendary hunt to kill a demigod creature known as the hala. The victors of the hunt will receive fame and fortune; Margaret hopes this will win back Evelyn’s love and Wes can use the money to support his family and land him an apprenticeship. The stakes are high but the choices Margaret and Wes make will determine if they swirl in the past or create hope for the future.

I truly had no expectations for A Far Wilder Magic and it served me well. The premise of a magical foxhunt combined with alchemy sounded strange yet unique. Whatever Saft did, it worked, and I am incredibly delighted by this unassuming standalone story. The book’s magical elements were as elusive as the secret to making the philosopher's stone, but Saft created her own wilder magic with Margaret and Wes. I did not expect to go on an emotional journey with these two but it happened and I feel so complete. The foxhunt and all the highs and lows Margaret and Wes experience along the way are integral to the story, but this book is so much more than the plot. The hunt doesn’t take a backseat per se, but the character growth and self-discovery that takes place is an entire entity on its own.

As much as I enjoyed the unique plot, my love for this story is rooted in the characters. There is a lot going on with and between these two. Margaret is a damaged girl, living in a home full of ghosts. Her brother passed away, her father left, and her mother is a cold shell of the woman she used to be. Margaret doesn’t know warmth or love, and her only companion is her hound, Trouble. Wes is a charmer that can smooth talk his way in or out of any situation. He seems flippant and shallow, but he has a heart of gold and cares deeply about his family. He tries his best but it’s never good enough. When Margaret and Wes collide, they’re both messy individuals trying to make the best of their situation. Fortunately for them, they each bring out the best and worst of each other. Their predicament forces them to examine their traumas and the hidden pieces of themselves. Saft tears them both down and builds them back up so beautifully my heart aches just thinking about it.

Religion plays a huge role in this story. The country is dominated by devout Katharists who view the legendary hala as a false god that must be killed, hence the epic hunt. However, the Yu’adir view the hala as a gift from god, and the Sumic believe the hala is a child of god. Imagine the chaos that ensues when a Yu’adir and Sumic join the hunt. Margaret is half-Yu’adir and Wes is a Banvishman who follows the Sumic faith, and each grapples internally with their decision to join the hunt. Both have had a lifetime of harassment from the Katharists, and they are so fearful of revealing this knowledge to people that it’s something they hide from one another as well. The hatred they encounter is heartbreaking, but there is also a beautiful understanding that blossoms from their shared experiences.

I feel so fulfilled after reading A Far Wilder Magic, and that is saying something because I rarely find this level of satisfaction in standalone stories. The book is so close to being perfect, but with only so much space there are elements that definitely weren’t fleshed out enough. It doesn’t matter though, the law of equivalent exchange would consider the effort that went into this story a fair trade for the number of feelings it gave me. Allison Saft crafted a magical foxhunting transmutation circle and it created an alchemical reaction of love so pure it hurts my heart.

Rating: A Far Wilder Magic - 8.0/10

Ever since her mother went away on a research trip, Margaret Welty has been alone in their crumbling manor home. Margaret's mother is a well-known alchemist with an affinity for studying mythical creatures known as demiurges. When Margaret glimpses the legendary hala, one of the last known creatures living, she knows catching it is her only chance of finally bringing her mother home. Margaret may be the best sharpshooter in town, but to sign up for the Halfmoon Hunt, she needs to find an alchemist willing to be her partner.

Weston Winters has big dreams of becoming an alchemist to help provide for his family. While he has natural talent, Wes has been kicked out of every apprenticeship he's managed to land. His last chance lies with Master Welty taking him in. Unfortunately for Wes, when he arrives at Welty Manor, he's met with only Margaret and her hound dog. Margaret lets Wes stay under one condition: he has to participate in the hunt with her. The pair couldn't be more different, but the more time they spend together, the more grudging respect starts to grow. But with the mounting tension of the hunt growing and danger lurking around every turn, will the pair be able to survive long enough to win?

I was initially drawn in by the cover of this (can we all agree on how pretty it is?), but then I read the synopsis and thought it sounded right up my alley. While I did love the atmospheric writing and magical realism, the whole thing didn't do it for me. The pacing was slow, and some parts dragged on way longer than necessary. I wished the lore and world were explained more because I never fully understood why the hala needed to be killed. The description is also a tad misleading because it made it seem like the hunt would be more prevalent, but it ended up being more of a footnote. Aside from that, nothing else stood out to me. The characters were fine, but I didn't feel any certain way towards them. I did enjoy the magic system, but that was about it. I think this had a lot of potential, but the execution wasn't my favorite.

A Far Wilder Magic is a YA fantasy novel teeming with teen angst and ancient magic.

Alone in a crumbling manor, Margaret Welty survives day by day, waiting for her mother to return from extended research trips. Her mother is a well-established alchemist who often leaves Margaret alone for months at a time. Due to her religious background, Margaret is an outsider to many in her community.

Then there is Wes Winters. Wes desperately wants to complete an alchemy apprenticeship in order to become a politician and raise his family out of their current struggles. He’s failed out of countless apprenticeships thus far and is nailing his hopes on securing one with Evelyn Welty, Margaret’s mother. When he arrives unannounced at the Welty’s manor, he is stunned to find that Evelyn is away on one of her trips. Margaret is uncertain when she will return. After much persuasion, Margaret agrees to let him stay and wait for Evelyn’s return.

Meanwhile, a hunting competition for a centuries-old fox will be starting soon. Margaret plans to enter with Wes as her alchemist so they both can achieve what they’ve always wanted.

This character-driven story alternates between Margaret and Wes’ POV. It’s an easy fantasy to immerse oneself in. There’s a bit of info-dumping in the beginning, but after that, it’s fairly straightforward.

It has themes on religious persecution, belonging, and the many facets of love.

Since the book’s synopsis emphasizes the hunt, I thought it would take up more pages than it did. Alas, the hunt only started in the last 50 (ebook) pages. I was expecting something more in the vein of Hunger Games or the like. But it didn’t take long for me to become invested in Wes and Margaret’s shenanigans. I enjoyed watching their relationship grow and evolve.

This novel works as a standalone, but I really hope that this isn’t the last I’ll see of these characters.

YA Fantasy is hit-or-miss for me, but this one worked so well. I think Adult Fantasy readers may enjoy this book too. Readers who want to dip their toes in Fantasy might find this a good place to start as well.

Thank you to Wednesday Books for an arc provided via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

https://booksandwheels.com

Magical and totally original -- I got lost in the world immediately and was bereft when the story ended. It's filled with mystery and romance and is totally consuming!

“It’s true that Wes is a fool, and it’s true that Wes is brilliant. Ambitious and lazy, giving, and selfish, thoughtful and reckless—all of his opposites marrying together in a perfect whole like an alchemic reaction.”

While all characters have their faults, they are usually easy to excuse and move past. The reader is informed of those flaws, but also the reason behind them. This tends to happen pretty quickly, obviously so said reader develops an attachment and wants to keep reading.

A Far Wilder Magic is different.

Maggie, and especially Wes, have many flaws. The way they were depicted left me wondering at times if I could get lost within the story… because I really didn’t like them. I was not attached. I was slightly annoyed, honestly. But such as life, the story went on, and I saw beyond those flaws.

I loved how this growth of feelings was the driving force behind the story as well. While there were so many other poignant themes weaved through out, that resonated the most.

A Far Wilder Magic almost took too long for the characters to be likable, but if you want a little bit of an escape that also challenges you, A Far Wilder Magic is worth the read.

(I would specifically recommend to readers who are fans of The Hunger Games and perhaps A Discovery of Witches)

Thank you NetGalley and the Publishers for allowing me to read this ARC!

This was absolutely lovely. I highly recommend. I loved the characters and the story. Also, that cover is stunning. Definitely recommend.

This book is just as swoony, gothic, and romantic as Saft's debut novel except this one has alchemy. Alchemy!!! It reminded me so much of Fullmetal Alchemist which is one of my favorite manga's. It was lush, atmospheric, and had such a swoon worthy romance. I loved it.

Just quaint enough to add an extra ⭐️!
There was much to like in this stand alone tale touches upon themes like follies of reckless hate, young love, classism, and the pitiful self destruction that is bred by a negligent mother dealing with her own self destruction.

First lets talk about what made this review only 3 stars. There was too much filler in this story. The story seems to hold its breath until this Hunt begins and it holds it for 90% of the book. It took WAY TOO LONG to get to the main event. If I were someone who traveled to this podunk town just to watch and/or partake in the deadliest hunt this word has even known, I would want my money back. For a month people just sit around waiting for it to start and it's over in like a hot minute. Lets also mention the far too many scenes that are exactly the same but play out different ways. How many times do we need to revisit speaking to the Winter's family in the city with a sister who only reminds her brother of how selfish and worthless he is? OVER AND OVER. I get it! How many scenes do we need where Jamie and Wes square off or Wes and Annette flirt and he rejects her because...oh wait, he is yet again thinking of Margaret? Jamie is a bigoted ass...got it, let's move on. How many scenes do we need to encounter the demiurge where it doesn't hurt them and yet they are hellbent on hunting and killing it. How many unanswered questions were left unanswered suggesting that these creatures are divine and can gift them with the knowledge of the universe, Nah....let's kill it instead. There were so many aspects of different cultures that I feel could have been deviled into, but weren't given the clarity needed for any of the connections to these demiurges and the creation of this world to make sense. I also found it somewhat distracting that I couldn't place a time period here. I know this isn't set in our world, but it is even aspects of our world to suggest its our world adjacent (i.e. cars, style of dress). The confusing part is that you have the bustling city and it feels like New York City circa 1920's and then Wickdon which is close enough to travel within a day and yet it still uses horse drawn carts and back water country folk. Just too many stark contrasts without much explanation.
These are only but a few of the instances of frustration as I read.

Now for what kept me turning the page.
I am ALL in for the build of two people coming together and finding love. Wes and Maggie have such a cute love story and this is really the saving grace for this story as a whole. I LOVE Wes! He is a unashamed of using his good looks and natural charisma to get what he wants and by the end he has achieved all he was working towards. He is the underdog you root for to win and when he does it is sweet even despite nearly being too perfect in its finality. There are far too many contrasts in this book, but the contrast between the Winter's family and the Welty family is one I truly liked. It made me long for Maggie to get the family she barely let herself realize she wanted and it made me root for Wes who strove towards his dreams despite his poor upbringing with the support he needed to achieve it. The Winter's know the true meaning of family.

Overall, this was a quaint read, but I won't be putting it on any of my book recommendation lists.
Thank you to the publisher Wednesday Books and NetGalley for the eARC copy!

" There's nothing for them to tell each other that they don't already know. He sees it in her eyes. He's tasted it on her lips. She writes it on his skin every time she touches him. But in all his mother's legends, there is binding power in words, and Wes doesn't want to die without his soul entwined with hers."

AFWM follows two individuals. One a poor boy from the city, ready to master alchemy and save his family from poverty, and a girl sealed away in a manor as she works to keep everything the way it should be, anything that will bring back her renowned alchemist of a mother.

Two souls lost in their own stories and hiding from their fear of failure, only one thing can earn them all that they want and desire, to participate in the great hunt.

This book took me by surprise with it's beautiful writing style (similar to stalking Jack the Ripper). Lyrical, dark and enchanting, Allison does an incredible job helping you see, smell, hear, and feel every detail she writes.

What I loved:
-slow burn romance that burned 🔥
-heartfelt MC backstories
-topics of racism while towards ficitional races, reflected truth
-the magic ⭐️
-the HEA

What I missed:
Based on the synopsis, I thought the hunt would be a more direct experience throughout the book, when really it was very minimal (maybe 2%).
The beginning felt like Crimson Peak with a haunted dark manor in the middle of nowhere, but the manor felt... well... not haunted.
The premise of the story gave me Redhood vibes with a hunt for a dangerous beast, but it felt anticlimactic.

My favorite part was the characters and their friendship turned romance as it blossomed and bloomed. Honestly, Wes and Maggie deserve each other and a happy ending.

Overall I did enjoy it and think many will love it. For me as a Fantasy reader there were a few opportunities for this gem to be 4k gold and fell a little short.

Rating:
story-⭐️⭐️⭐️
character-⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
steam- NA level but with class

Song- Michigan by The Milk Carton Kids

Thank you to pub and author for my gifted copy.

This was an incredibly beautiful read, and I am in awe of the world that Allison Saft has made. The characters were lovely to read. It touched my heart to read of their hardships, their inner struggles, and even their struggled to accept that they deserve to be loved and their acceptance of their self-worth. The story itself was captivating, and I could read this story for hours (which is exactly what I did). The reveal of Evelyn's real nature took me for a spin, but it was something that really contributed to the story and just felt right. And of course, we all love a little romance with our fantasy books.

A Far Wilder Magic is a wonderful YA story of magic, a hunt, slow-burn romance, and learning that love isn't something you earn, and family isn't always blood. By the end of the book, I was so proud of Margaret and Wes for all they had accomplished and what they brought out in each other.

I was not sure I'd enjoy a book about the hunting of a magical creature, but the way it was done was so well thought-out, complete with the characters feeling conflicted as well. I enjoyed this one a lot!

Thanks to Netgalley and Wednesday Books for the e-ARC!